Gaming device having an animated figure

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an animated gaming system and animated display system, comprising a housing, an animated figure and an animated element. The housing for the animated gaming system include having a symbol which represents a prize. The animated figure has a three-dimensional form. The animated element is operatively coupled to the animated figure and is controlled by a control system which manages the operations of the animated figure. The control system includes one or more controlled outputs which are forced to change in a desired manner as time progresses.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 60/241,383, filed on Oct. 17, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a gaming system and methodhaving an animated figure. More particularly, the animated figure is athree-dimensional animated figure having a control system.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Gaming Devices

[0006] Gaming devices are well known in the art and a large variety ofgaming devices have been developed. In general, gaming devices allowusers or players to play a game. In many casino-type gaming devices, theoutcome of the game depends, at least in part, on a randomly generatedevent. For example, a gaming device may use a random number generator togenerate a random or pseudo-random number. The random number may then becompared to a predefined table to determine the outcome of the event. Ifthe random number falls within a certain range of numbers on the table,the player may win a predefined prize. The table may also containdisplay information that allows the gaming device to generate a displaythat corresponds to the outcome of the game. The gaming device maypresent the outcome of the game on a large variety of display devices,such as mechanical spinning reels or video screens.

[0007] Bonus Prizes

[0008] Some gaming devices award bonuses in addition to prizes that areawarded in the primary game. A bonus can be defined as an additionalprize that is awarded to the player when a predefined event occurs. Anexample of a bonus game can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,932 issuedto Adams. One of the gaming devices described in this document comprisesthree spinning reels and a spinning wheel bonus display. Whenpredetermined indicia are displayed on the spinning reels of the primarygame, the wheel can be activated to indicate a bonus prize. The bonusprize is awarded in addition to any prizes awarded in the primary game.

[0009] Generally, bonus prizes are offered in such games in order toincrease the excitement and enjoyment experienced by players. Thisattracts more players to the game and encourages players to play longer.When gaming devices attract more players and the players play longer,they tend to be more commercially successful relative to other gamingdevices.

[0010] Games Having Animated Characters

[0011] It is well known that games of chance such as slot machines mayhave an animated character which operates in conjunction with the gameof chance. For example, in Slot Machines, by Marshall Fey, a slotmachine called “Shoot the Bear” describes a bear which stands up andgrowls when a jackpot is hit.

[0012] More generally, gaming devices having animated characters arewell known. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,678, hereinafter the“'678 patent”, a game device which interacts with an animated characterto simulate a game show is described. More particularly, the '678 patentdescribes an electronic game playing device with a synthesized voice andan animated game show host character. The animated game show hostcharacter has different features such as eyes, head and arms which areactivated at different times in response to synthesized voice or theoutput of an audio tape.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0013] 1. Advantages of the Invention

[0014] One of the advantages of the present invention is that itprovides a gaming device having an animated figure that identifies aprize.

[0015] A further advantage of the present invention is that it providesa control system for controlling the actions of animated gaming system.

[0016] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides acontrol system for controlling the actions of animated display system.

[0017] A further advantage of the present invention is that it providesa housing having at least one symbol which represents a prize.

[0018] A further advantage of the present invention is that it providesan animated gaming device that may be used as a stand-alone game.

[0019] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides ananimated gaming device which may be used in combination with anothergaming device.

[0020] An additional advantage of the present invention is that theanimated gaming device is engaged after a bonusing event.

[0021] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides ahousing having a plurality of prizes which are identified by theanimated figure.

[0022] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that itprovides a gaming device having an animated figure that requires littlemaintenance.

[0023] These and other advantages of the present invention may berealized by reference to other portions of the specification, claims,and abstract.

[0024] 2. Brief Description of the Invention

[0025] The present invention relates to an animated gaming system andanimated display system, comprising a housing, an animated figure and ananimated element. The housing for the animated gaming system includehaving a symbol which represents a prize. The animated figure has athree-dimensional form. The animated element is operatively coupled tothe animated figure and is controlled by a control system which managesthe operations of the animated figure. The control system includes oneor more controlled outputs which are forced to change in a desiredmanner as time progresses.

[0026] The above description sets forth, rather broadly, the moreimportant features of the present invention so that the detaileddescription of the preferred embodiment that follows may be betterunderstood and contributions of the present invention to the art may bebetter appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of theinvention that will be described below and will form the subject matterof claims. In this respect, before explaining at least one preferredembodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited in its application to the details of theconstruction and to the arrangement of the components set forth in thefollowing description or as illustrated in the drawings. The inventionis capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried outin various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein are for the purpose of description andshould not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in theaccompanying drawings wherein:

[0028]FIG. 1A is substantially a front view of a gaming device having ananimated figure which identifies a first prize.

[0029]FIG. 1B is substantially a block diagram of a system forcontrolling the gaming device of FIG. 1A.

[0030]FIG. 1C is substantially a front view of the gaming device of FIG.1A in which a first animated element is moved to identify a secondprize.

[0031]FIG. 1D is substantially a front view of the gaming device of FIG.1A in which the animated figure is rotated and second animated elementis moved to identify a third prize.

[0032]FIG. 2A is substantially a flow chart of the operation of thegaming device shown in FIG. 1A through 1B.

[0033]FIG. 2B is substantially a more detailed flow chart of theoperation of the gaming device shown in FIG. 1A through 1B.

[0034]FIG. 3 is substantially a front view of a gaming system whichincludes a first gaming device and a second gaming device having ananimated figure.

[0035]FIG. 4 is substantially a flow char of the operation of the gamingsystem in FIG. 3.

[0036]FIG. 5A is substantially a front view of a gaming system whichincludes a first gaming device and second gaming device having ananimated figured configured to dispense a fortune.

[0037]FIG. 5B is substantially a front view of the gaming system of FIG.5A in which the animated figure identifies a first prize.

[0038]FIG. 5C is substantially a front view of the gaming system of FIG.5B in which the animated figure identifies a second prize.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0039] In the following detailed description of the preferredembodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which forma part of this application. The drawings show, by way of illustration,specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structuralchanges may be made with out departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

[0040] Generally, the present invention comprises an animated gamingdevice which is shown in FIG. 1A. The animated gaming system isindicated by reference number 10 and comprises an animated figure 12which is operatively coupled to a housing 14. Preferably, the animatedfigure 12 comprises a plurality of robotic components in communicationwith a control system having an embedded processor. The housing 14includes a plurality of symbols which indicate a prize awarded to aplayer. In operation, the movements of animated figure 12 is determinedby the control system. In one embodiment, the animated figure identifiesa prize located on the housing 14. The animated gaming system10 may beoperated as a stand-alone machine, or in combination with another gamingdevice. The animated gaming system 10 and the various combinations forits implementation are described in further detail below.

[0041] Animated Gaming System

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 1A, the animated gaming system 10 of thepresent invention includes the housing 14, the animated figure 12 and ananimated element 16. The housing 14 includes a variety of symbols whichrepresent a variety of prizes. By way of example and not of limitation,the symbols displayed on the housing may include numbers, letters, andvarious other shapes.

[0043] The prizes are represented by symbols which may represent amonetary award 18 a through 18 d, or additional credits 20, or aprogressive networked prize 22 which is a prize created by an array ofnetworked games, or an additional opportunity to play a game 20, or aprize which is an object 24 such as an automobile or horse. The animatedfigure 12 has a three-dimensional form which is controlled by a controlsystem having a plurality of robotic components. The animated figureincludes at least one animated element 16 which identifies or points toone or more of the symbols displayed on the housing 14.

[0044] The animated figure 12 may be in the form of a realistic orfictional animal. Alternatively, the animated FIG. 12 may have humanfeatures and be human-like or be in the form of a cartoon character orthe like. Furthermore, the animated figure 12 may be a relatively simplefigure which generates limited sounds and provides limited motion.Alternatively, the animated figure could be a sophisticated systemhaving the ability to speak and to make very precise and complexmovements. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art havingthe benefit of this disclosure that the description of “animated figure”includes robots which are commonly used in other industries and arecommonly available in the marketplace. Such robots and the sources forthese robots are described in the book entitled “Illusion of LifeLifelike Robots,” by Gene William Poor, published in 1991 by CreativeLearning Systems, Inc. of San Diego, Calif.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1B there is shown a block diagram of thecontrol system 30 which manages the digital signals that control theoperations of the animated figure 12. The boundary conditions for thecontrol system 30 are provided to teach some of the functions of thecontrol system 30 and are not intended to restrict the method and typeof control system used. By way of the example, the animated figure 12 iscontrolled by an the processor 32. Additionally, the processor 32 isconfigured to communicate with a memory 34. The memory may storesoftware programs or may provide caching functionality. Although notshown flash memory, EEPROM, EPROM, ROM, SRAM, DRAM and other forms ofmemory may used.

[0046] In operation, the animated figure 12 is engaged by the insertionor transfer of a token into a token receiving component 35 which is incommunication with processor 32. The token receiving component 35 mayreceive a variety of different tokens which may include coins, papercurrency, coupons, tickets, credit cards, debit cards, electroniccredits or any other such transactional medium.

[0047] In one embodiment the processor in combination with memory 34 andrandom number generator software are configured to generate a randomnumber. In an alternative embodiment an integrated circuit or a ROM maybe configured to generate a random number. The random number generatorproduces a random or pseudo random number for each game for the animatedgaming system 10. The outcome of the animated gaming system 10 may bedetermined by comparing the random number to a table of outcomes storedin a memory and accessed by processor 32.

[0048] The random number is then used to determine the prize to beawarded according to a table. The table is also referred to as a “paytable.” A number of different tables of outcomes may be used anddifferent tables may be used for different games. The tables can bedesigned so that different prizes have different probabilities of beingawarded. Such design techniques are well known in gaming. Examples ofsuch designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,448,419, issued to Telnaes,and U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,465, issued to Durham. The combination ofprocessor 32 and memory 34 causes the animated gaming system 10 todisplay the outcome of the game that corresponds to the outcome of therandom number generator and table. It is recognized that animated gamingsystem 10 may operate in many other ways and still achieve the objectsof the present invention.

[0049] In the preferred embodiment a controller which is defined by thecombination of a processor 32 and a memory 34 generates a random number.The processor 32 and memory 34 combination then compare the randomnumber to a pay table similar to that described for game apparatus 20 oras described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,874, issued to Adams. A simple paytable may appear as follows: Random Location Amount Number Number Paid0.00 to 0.03 1 $25.00 0.04 to 0.20 2  0.00 0.21 to 0.26 3  $5.00 0.27 to0.76 4  0.00 0.77 to 0.82 5 $30.00 0.83 to 0.84 6 Progressive 0.85 to0.89 7 Free Play 0.90 to 0.95 8 Multiplier X2 0.96 to 1.00 9 OtherSymbol

[0050] For example, if the random number generator produced 0.03 value,the animated element 16 would move to location number 1 which identifiesthe $25.00 prize as shown in FIG. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1C, if therandom number generator produced a 0.45 value and the animated elementis moved to location 5 according to the table above and displays the $30prize shown. Referring to FIG. 1D, if the random number generatorproduced a 0.85 value, then the animated FIG. 12 is rotated about axis38 and a second animated element 40 is moved to location 7 whichidentifies the “free play” prize.

[0051] The present invention is not limited to the example pay tableshown. A variety of different housings 14 may be used which display avariety of prizes at a variety of different locations. For eachdifferent housing a new pay table identifying the appropriate locationis loaded into the processor 32 and memory 34 combination. The housing14 may include different kinds of prizes, besides monetary prizes, maybe awarded. For example, the prizes may be goods, services, oradditional games. The goods and services may be awarded in the form ofphysical objects, tickets, vouchers, coupons, etc. Additional games maybe presented in the form of tickets, such as scratch off lotterytickets. In the embodiments in which tickets, vouchers, and coupons areused, the objects are dispensed using an internally or externallymounted dispenser 36 (see FIG. 1A). Such dispensers are well known inthe art. Additionally, a coin dispenser (nor shown) well known in theare may by used.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the animated gaming system includesan additional plurality of animated figures (not shown) within the samehousing. The plurality of animated figures may be managed by the controlsystem 30 described above. The plurality of animated figures may includea plurality of animated figure 12 within one housing 14 wherein each ofsaid plurality of animated figures identify a symbol which incombination with the output from each of the animated figures results ina prize.

[0053] Control System

[0054] The control system includes one or more controlled outputs whichare forced to change in a desired manner as time progresses. Referringback to FIG. 1B, the animated figure includes a processor 32 incommunication with a sound generator 42 and a motor controller 44. Thecontrol system 30 manages the digital signals that control theoperations of the animated figure 12. The boundary conditions for thecontrol system 30 describe some of the functions of the control system30. By way of the example, the animated figure 12 is controlled by theprocessor 32 which operatively coupled to memory 34. The memory 34provides storage for various software programs or subroutines or mayprovide caching functionality. Although not shown flash memory, EEPROM,EPROM, ROM, SRAM, DRAM and other forms of memory or any combinationthereof may used.

[0055] The sound generator 42 provides local storage for a variety ofdifferent sounds. The variety of different sounds may be downloaded fromprocessor 32 and memory 34 or may be pre-programmed with sounds. Thesound generator communicates output signals to a transducer 46 whichgenerates an audible output.

[0056] The motor controller 44 is configured to provide local storagefor a variety of different commands which control the motors 48 a, 48 band 48 c. The motor controller may receive the commands from processor32 or may have a plurality of commands stored locally in motorcontroller 44. Each of the motors 48 a, 48 b and 48 c may control aplurality of electromotive or hydraulic devices for causing variousmovement such as the mouth or arms or other animated element of theanimated figure. The animated element of animated figure includes anelement of the animated figure which is subject to the control ofprocessor 32 or motor controller 44.

[0057] In a simple illustrative embodiment, the animated figure 12comprises only a portion of an animal such as the head of a figure. Whenthe control system 30 generates the appropriate output, the mouth of thefigure is moved according to the motor controller 44 and a sound isgenerated according to the sound generator 42.

[0058] In an more complex illustrative embodiment, the animated figure12 may take the shape of a lifelike human or cartoon character capableof sophisticated movements and speech. The animated figure 12 may beprogrammed to frown or cry and then console the slot machine player uponan indication that the player did not win a prize. Alternatively, theanimated figure could be programmed to jump up and down and sing orscream such statements as, “You have won,” or “You are a winner” or thelike. It may also be possible to have the animated figure do tricks suchas somersaults or to throw candy or other safe projectiles at the slotmachine player.

[0059] Method for Operating the Animated Gaming System

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2A as well as FIG. 1A there is shown a method50 for operating the animated gaming system 10 of FIG. 1A through 1D.The method 50 for operating the animated gaming system 10 describedincludes the housing 14, the animated figure 12, and at least oneanimated element 16 is initiated at block 52.

[0061] At block 52, the method provides for engaging the animated gamingsystem 10. The animated gaming device may be engaged in a variety ofmethods which are described in further detail below. For illustrativepurposes, the animated gaming device may be engaged by receiving arequest to enable the animated gaming system 10. The request iscommunicated to processor 32 (see FIG. 1B). The method then proceeds toeither block 54 or block 56 or block 58.

[0062] At block 54, the method then proceeds to select a random number.The random number is generated by a random number generator which isresident in a controller which comprises a processor 32 and a memory 34.Alternatively, the random number may be generated by an other gamingdevice which communicates the random number to the animated gamingdevice 10. It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theuse of a random number generator is well known in the art of designinggaming equipment. The method then proceeds to block 56 or block 58.

[0063] At block 56, the method provides for the comparing of the randomnumber to a table to generate an outcome as described above. The outcomemay be determined by another gaming device in communication with theanimated gaming system 10. Preferably, the table includes a locationnumber which is associated with a range of random numbers. The methodthen proceeds to block 58.

[0064] At block 58, the outcome is identified and displayed by theanimated figure 12. Using the table identified above, the locationnumber is communicated to the motor controller 44 and sound generator42. The motor controller 44 and sound generator 42 generate theappropriate signals which are communicated to the motors 48 a through 48c and the transducer 46, respectively. One of the motors 48 a through 48c moves the animated element 16. The housing 14 has at least one symbolwhich represents at least one prize as described above. An animatedelement 16 is then used to identify the result of the outcome of thecomparison in block 56. The method then proceeds to decision diamond 60.

[0065] At decision diamond 60 it is determined whether to continue thegame or not. If it is decided that the game is to be continued, themethod proceeds to block 52 and the animated gaming device isre-engaged. If it is decided that the game is NOT to be continued, thegame is ended.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2B there is shown a more detailed method 70 forengaging the animated gaming system of FIG. 2A. More particularly,attention is drawn to the blocks 71, 72 and 74 which describe theengagement of the animated gaming system described in FIG. 2A.

[0067] At block 71, the method provides for the insertion of tokens intothe animated gaming system. The insertion of tokens may be physical ormay be electronic. Physical tokens include coins, paper currency,coupons, tokens from magnetic stripe cards or other such devices.Electronic tokens are generated by a network, or may be generated by astorage media such as a magnetic stripe card or smart card. The tokensare communicated to a token receiving component 35 as described above.The method then proceeds to block 72.

[0068] At block 72, the method provides for the crediting of a player.The token is then converted to credits by said processor 32. The creditsmay be transferred or stored on the animated gaming system. The methodthen proceeds to block 74.

[0069] At block 74, the method provides for permitting the player toselect how many credits to play on the animated gaming system. For gamesof chance, the credits played are used to determine the size of thepayment to the player. However, it shall be appreciated by those skilledin the art that the present animated gaming system is not confined togames of chance. The method then proceeds to block 76.

[0070] Blocks 76, 78, 80, and 82 are substantially similar to the blocks52, 54, 56 and 58, respectively. Therefore, the prior discussion of thefunctions performed in these steps are incorporated by reference. Themethod then proceeds to decision diamond 84.

[0071] At decision diamond 84 it is determined whether to continue thegame or not. If it is decided that the game is to be continued, themethod proceeds to block 74 and the animated gaming device is re-engagedafter the player selects the credits to play. If it is decided that thegame is not to be continued, the game is ended.

[0072] Gaming System

[0073] In an alternative embodiment the animated gaming system 10 isused in combination with another gaming device and this combination isreferred to as gaming system 100 and is illustrated in FIG. 3. Thegaming system 100 includes a first gaming device 102, an animated gamingsystem 104 having an animated figure 105 and a housing 106. The firstgaming device 102 may be a traditional gaming device such as a slotmachine or video game. The animated figure 105 has a three-dimensionalform and includes an animated element 108. The animated element may beconfigured to identify a prize. The housing 106 houses the animatedfigure 105 which is operatively coupled to the first gaming device 102.It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art of gaming design,that the housing 106 includes a variety of symbols which may represent avariety of prizes such as the prizes described above.

[0074] In its preferred embodiment, the first gaming device 102 is agame such as a slot machine of general conventional construction andincludes a coin slot 110, a card reader 111 and a lever arm 112. Mostslot machines also include a push button 114 that can be activated inorder to initiate play in lieu of the lever arm 112. The first gamingdevice 102 also includes a window which displays spinning reels 116 a,116 b and 116 c. The first gaming device 102 may be either of theconventional mechanical type with rotating wheel or of the electronictype which simulates rotating wheels and which includes a plurality ofelectronic video type displays. The prizes are awarded with a coindispenser 118. In at least one preferred embodiment, game apparatus 20may be an S Plus model gaming device manufactured by International GameTechnology in Reno, Nev.

[0075] Although the use of the slot machine is the preferred type offirst gaming device 102 for the gaming system 100, it should be apparentto those skilled in the art that other types of games of chance such aspoker machines, blackjack machines, keno machines and the like may alsobe useful. It must be understood, therefore, that the descriptioncontained herein concerning the use of a slot machine is by way ofexample only. In any case, regardless of the type of game of chance orgaming machine being utilized, a slot machine 102 or other gamingmachine or combination thereof may be associated with the animatedgaming system 104.

[0076] Referring back to FIG. 1B, an electrical output line 120 from thefirst gaming device 102 extends from the first gaming device 102 and isadapted to carry the output signal from the first gaming device 102 tothe animated figure 105. This output signal is intended to berepresentative of a particular condition or play for the first gamingdevice 102. The output signal communicated from output line 120 iscommunicated to processor 32 which processes signals that control saidtransducer 46 and the motors 48 a, 48 b and 48 c which control animatedelement 108. For example, a particular signal may appear on output line120 indicating that a particular event has occurred such as theinsertion of a unique coin or multiple coins have been played. Or asignal may represent the fact that a particular button (not shown) hasbeen activated. In addition, an appropriate signal could appear onoutput line 120 indicated that the slot machine wheel have stopped andthat the player did not win anything or that the wheels have stopped andthat the slot machine player has won. A different signal could obviouslyalso appear depending on the amount that has been won. As should bereadily apparent, a substantial number of different signals could appearindividually or in combination on the output line 120 indicating any oneor more of a large number of different conditions of play of the firstgaming device 102.

[0077] Preferably, the output line 120 is configured to communicate abonus-activating event. This event may be the result of many differenttypes of events. For example, a bonus-activating event may comprisedisplaying a particular symbol, such as a “bonus” symbol, or combinationof Go symbols, such as three “horse” symbols, on reels 116 a, 116 b, and116 c. If the game being played is poker based, the bonus-activatingevent may be occurrence of a certain hand, such as a royal flush.Furthermore, a bonus-activating event may occur when a playeraccumulates a number of symbols or game outcomes over a number ofseparate game plays. For example, a bonus-activating event may occurwhen the player receives three “bonus” symbols during a period of time.The bonus-activating event may be based on an external event. Forexample, a bonus-activating event may occur when a group of playersobtain a certain result.

[0078] Preferably, the gaming device of the present invention comprisesan animated figure 105 which is engaged by the bonusing event describedabove. The control system for engaging the animated figure is describedin the discussion regarding the animated gaming system 10 in FIG. 1A.Additionally, the animated gaming system 102 operates in a similarmanner as the animated gaming system 10 described above.

[0079] In operation, the first gaming device 102 is played and theanimated gaming system 104 is activated when the bonusing event occurs.The bonusing event signal is communicated via output line 120 to theanimated gaming control system. The animated element 108 is engaged andis used to identify the prize to be awarded to the player as describedabove.

[0080] Additionally, the animated gaming system 102 may include acombination of animated figures associated with a plurality of firstgaming machines (not shown). Further still the animated gaming system102 may be capable of directing its actions and sounds toward any one ofthe slot machine players. It is also within the scope of the presentinvention to provide a single gaming system 100 having a plurality ofanimated figures which respond individually or in combination based onthe play of a plurality of first gaming devices.

[0081] A Method For Operating The Gaming System

[0082] Referring to FIG. 4 as well as FIG. 3 and FIG. 1B there is showna method 150 for operating the animated gaming system 100 of FIG. 3. Themethod 150 for operating the animated gaming system 100 described aboveincludes providing a first gaming device 102 and providing an animatedgaming system 102 having an animated element 108.

[0083] At block 152 the method provides for engaging a first gamingdevice 102. The first gaming device 102 may be engaged by the insertionof tokens which may be physical or may be electronic as described above.The tokens are communicated to a coin slot 110 which acts as a tokenreceiving component. Once the token is received the player is creditedand permitted to play the first gaming device 102. The player thenselects the number of credits to play in the first gaming device 102.The method then proceeds to block 154.

[0084] At block 154 the method provides for selecting a random number.The random number is generated by a random number generator which isresident in a controller. It shall be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the provisioning for a random number generator is wellknown in the art of designing gaming equipment. The method then proceedsto block 156.

[0085] At block 156 the method provides for comparing a random number toa table as described above. It shall be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the table includes a plurality of different combinationsdisplayed by reels 116 a, 116 b, and 116 c which are associated with arange of random numbers. The method then proceeds to decision diamond158.

[0086] At diamond 158, the bonusing event is engaged. In an illustrativeembodiment, the bonusing event is engaged by the first gaming device102. Alternatively, the bonusing event is engaged by a separatecomponent which is in communication with said first gaming device 102.The results of the bonusing event are communicated by output line 120 tothe animated gaming system 104. If the bonusing event is not engaged,the method proceeds to diamond 160. At diamond 160 the player determineswhether to continue playing the first gaming device 102. If the bonusingevent is engaged, the method then proceeds to block 162.

[0087] At block 162, the animated gaming system 104 is engaged accordingto the bonusing event communicated from output line 120 from the firstgaming device 102. The animated gaming system 104 includes a housing 106which has a variety of symbols identifying a variety of prizes. Theoutput line 120 communicates with the animated control system having aprocessor 32 which controls the movements of a plurality of animatedelements such as animated element 108. The method then proceeds to block164.

[0088] At block 164, a second random number is selected. The randomnumber is generated by a second random number generator which isresident in a controller which comprises a processor 32 and a memory 34of the control system 30. The method then proceeds to block 166.

[0089] At block 166, the second random number is compared to a pay tableas described above. Preferably, the table includes a location numberwhich is associated with a range of random numbers. The method thenproceeds to block 168.

[0090] At block 168, the outcome is identified and displayed by theanimated figure. As described above, the location number is communicatedto the motor controller 44 and sound To generator 42 by a processor 32.The motor controller 44 and sound generator 42 generate the appropriatesignals which are communicated to the motors 48 a through 48 c and thetransducer 46, respectively. One of the motors 48 a through 48 c movesthe animated element 108. The housing 106 has at least one symbol whichrepresents at least one prize as described previously. An animatedelement 108 is then used to identify the result of the outcome of thecomparison in block 166. The method then proceeds to block decisiondiamond 170.

[0091] At diamond 170, the player determines whether to continue playingthe game. If the player decides to continue playing the game, the playeris taken back to block 152 and the first gaming device is engaged. Ifthe player decides not to continue playing the game, the game is ended.

[0092] A Gaming System Having An Animated Display

[0093] Referring to FIG. 5A there is shown an alternative gaming system200 which communicates the output from a game device 202 to an animateddisplay system 204. The gaming system 200 includes an animated displaysystem 204 which is operatively coupled to the gaming device 202.Preferably, the game device 202 is a slot machine. However, it should beapparent to those skilled in the art that other games of chance may alsobe configured as game device 202. These other games of chance includepoker machines, blackjack machines, keno machines and the like.

[0094] The animated display system 204 includes an animated figure 205and housing 206. The animated figure 205 includes an animated element208 which is, preferably, configured to move along the x-axis, y-axisand z-axis. The animated figure is managed by the control system 30described above. However, in the preferred embodiment the electricalcontrol system 30 for the animated figure 205 does not employ a paytable to determine the outcome that is displayed by the animated figure205. Rather it is preferable that the gaming device 202 communicates theoutput to the animated figure 205 control system 30. The animated figure205 then displays the prize that was determined by the gaming device202. By way of example, the animated figure may be configured so theanimated element 208 identifies one of plurality of prizes or identifiesone of plurality of bonuses.

[0095] By way of example, and not of limitation, the animated element208 is a hand that is controlled in the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis bymotors 48 a, 48 b and 48 c, respectively. (See FIG. 1B). FIG. 5A showsthe results of a player which has not won a prize due to the outcome ofgame device 202. Therefore, the animated element 208 does not identify aprize.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 5B there is shown one example of gaming system200 in which the outcome has determined that player receiving a prize.The outcome is displayed by the reels 216 a, 216 b, and 216 c and theprize is displayed by animated figure 205 and animated element 208 whichidentifies a prize in display window 210 which identifies 32 credits. Itshall be appreciated by those skilled in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure that control system 30 controls the operation of theanimated element 208 which identifies the prize.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 5C there is shown another example of gamingsystem 200 which also provides the player with a “multiplier” prizeillustrated by display component 220. The multiplier prize is based on amultiple of credits played or is a separate game which is subject to abonus activating event. In this embodiment, the bonus activating eventand the bonus prize is determined by the game device 202. Alternatively,the bonus prize may be determined by the animated display device 204 asdescribed previously.

[0098] The method for operation of the animated gaming system 200 is thesimilar to the method described in FIG. 2A described above. Preferably,the pay table will be associated with the gaming device 202 and themovements of animated figure 205 are based on the communications fromgaming device 202. Alternatively, a pay table may be resident in thecontrol system 30 of the animated display device.

[0099] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 5A, the gaming system 200 mayinclude a dispensing module 222 which may dispense a fortune or someother type of information.

Conclusion

[0100] It can now be seen that the present invention solves many of theproblems associated with the prior art. The present invention provides aanimated gaming device and animated display device which may be used asa primary game or a bonus game or in combination with a primary game.The present invention provides an animated gaming device which includesan animated figure having an animated element.

[0101] Although the description above contains many specifications,these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention butas merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments of this invention. The specification, for instance, makesreference to bonus prizes. However, the present invention is notintended to be limited to bonus prizes. Rather it is intended that thepresent invention can be used independently as a stand-alone game. Thus,the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claimsand their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.

What is claimed is:
 1. An animated gaming system, comprising: a housingfor said animated gaming system, said housing having at least one symbolwhich represents at least one prize; an animated figure having athree-dimensional form; and an animated element operatively coupled tosaid animated figure, said animated element configured to identify saidat least one prize.
 2. The animated gaming system of claim 1, furthercomprising a processor configured to generate a random number whichdetermines the location of said animated element.
 3. The animated gamingsystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one prize is a monetary award.4. The animated gaming system of claim 2 wherein said at least one prizeis a monetary award.
 5. The animated gaming system of claim 1 whereinsaid at least one prize is at least one credit.
 6. The animated gamingsystem of claim 1 wherein said at least one prize is a progressivenetworked prize.
 7. The animated gaming system of claim 1 wherein saidat least one prize is an additional opportunity to play said animatedgaming system.
 8. The animated gaming system of claim 1 furthercomprising an additional animated figure within said housing.
 9. Theanimated gaming system of claim 1 further comprising an additionalanimated element within said housing.
 10. The animated gaming system ofclaim 1 further comprising a token input component configured to receivea token and engage said animated gaming system.
 11. The animated gamingsystem of claim 1 further comprising a processor configured to processsignals that control said animated figure.
 12. The animated gamingsystem of claim 11 further wherein said processor is configured toprocess signals that control said animated element.
 13. A method foroperating an animated gaming device, comprising: providing a housinghaving at least one symbol which represents at least one prize;providing a three-dimensional animated figure having an animatedelement; engaging said animated gaming device; and identifying said atleast one symbol with said animated element.
 14. The method foroperating an animated gaming device of claim 13 further comprisingreceiving a signal from a random number generator.
 15. The method foroperating an animated gaming device of claim 13 further comprisingreceiving a signal which compares said random number to a pay table. 16.The method for operating an animated gaming device of claim 13 furthercomprising receiving an outcome from comparing said random number tosaid pay table.
 17. The method for operating an animated gaming deviceof claim 16 further comprising communicating said outcome to a processorwhich controls said animated element.
 18. The method for operating ananimated gaming device of claim 17 further comprising displaying saidoutcome by moving said animated element to identify said prize.
 19. Themethod for operating an animated gaming device of claim 18 furthercomprising receiving a token to engage said animated gaming device. 20.The method for operating an animated gaming device of claim 19 furthercomprising converting said token to one or more credits.
 21. A gamingsystem, comprising: a first gaming device; an animated gaming systemconfigured to receive communications from said first gaming device, saidanimated gaming system including an animated figure with athree-dimensional form; an animated element operatively coupled to saidanimated figure; and a processor configured to control said animatedfigure and said animated element.
 22. The gaming system of claim 21wherein said animated element is configured to identify a prize.
 23. Thegaming system of claim 21 further comprising a housing configured tohouse said first gaming device and said animated gaming system, saidhousing having at least one symbol which represents a prize.
 24. Thegaming system of claim 21 wherein said first gaming device is a game ofchance.
 25. The gaming system of claim 21 wherein said first gamingdevice is a slot machine.
 26. The gaming system of claim 21 wherein saidanimated gaming system is triggered by a bonusing event associated withsaid first gaming device.
 27. The gaming system of claim 21 wherein saidfirst gaming device further comprises a first gaming device output whichis communicated to said processor, said first gaming device outputconfigured to control the engagement of said animated figure.
 28. Thegaming system of claim 21 wherein said animated gaming system furthercomprises a transducer in communication with said processor andconfigured to generate sounds.
 29. The gaming system of claim 21 whereinsaid animated gaming system further comprises at least one motorcontroller in communication with said processor and configured to movesaid animated element.
 30. The gaming system of claim 21 wherein saidanimated gaming system further comprises a plurality of first gamingdevices in communication with said animated gaming system.
 31. A methodfor playing a gaming system, comprising: providing a first gamingdevice; providing an animated gaming system having an animated figure,said animated figure having an animated element; communicating outputfrom said first gaming device to said animated gaming system; andengaging said animated figure according to the output from said firstgaming device.
 32. The method of claim 31 further comprising providing ahousing for said animated gaming system having at least one symbol whichrepresents at least one prize.
 33. The method of claim 32 furthercomprising identifying at least one symbol with said animated element.34. The method of claim 31 further comprising having said first gamingdevice generating a random number.
 35. The method of claim 34 furthercomprising having said first gaming device comparing said random numberto a pay table to generate an outcome.
 36. The method of claim 35further comprising having said first gaming device determining whetherto engage said animated gaming system according to said outcome.
 37. Themethod of claim 35 further comprising having said animated gaming systemdetermining whether to engage said animated figure according to saidoutcome.
 38. The method of claim 35 further comprising communicatingsaid outcome to said animated gaming system which has a processor whichcontrols said animated element.
 39. The method of claim 38 furthercomprising displaying said outcome by moving said animated element. 40.The method of claim 39 further comprising comparing said another randomnumber in said animated gaming system to another pay table to determinean outcome for said animated gaming system.
 41. A three-dimensionalanimated gaming system, comprising: a housing; a first gaming systemcoupled to said housing, said first gaming system configured to generatean output; an animated display system coupled to said housing, saidanimated gaming system including, an animated figure; an animatedelement operatively coupled to said animated figure; and a processorconfigured to receive said first gaming system output and configured tocontrol said animated element.
 42. The three-dimensional animated gamingsystem of claim 41 wherein said first gaming system is a game of chance.43. The three-dimensional animated gaming system of claim 41 whereinsaid first gaming system is a slot machine.
 44. The three-dimensionalanimated gaming system of claim 41 wherein said animated element isconfigured to identify a prize.
 45. The three-dimensional animatedgaming system of claim 41 wherein said animated dsiplay system isengaged by a bonusing event.
 46. The three-dimensional animated gamingsystem of claim 41 wherein said housing has a plurality of symbols whichindicate a prize.
 47. The three-dimensional animated gaming system ofclaim 46 wherein said animated element is configured to identify saidprize.
 48. The three-dimensional animated gaming system of claim 47wherein said first gaming system further comprises a random numbergenerator configured to generate a random number.
 49. Thethree-dimensional animated gaming system of claim 48 wherein said firstgaming system further comprises a pay table which in conjunction withsaid random number determines said prize.
 50. The three-dimensionalanimated gaming system of claim 41 wherein said animated gaming systemfurther comprises a fortune dispensing component configured to dispensea fortune.